- Breakthrough is the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht at a staggering $645 million USD.
- The revolutionary vessel features cryogenic hydrogen tanks at -253°C, backed by a hybrid bio-fuel system.
- Despite commissioning this groundbreaking vessel, Bill Gates opts to list it for sale.
A fierce passion has swept through the world’s wealthiest tech moguls, driving them to vie for ownership of the most innovative and luxurious superyachts. While Amazon’s Boss Jeff Bezos flaunts Koru, Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin commands Dragonfly, and Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg cruises in Launchpad, Microsoft founder Bill Gates is redefining the industry with his ground-breaking $645 million USD ($990 million AUD) eco-conscious vessel, Breakthrough.
In an era when modern superyachts often face criticism for their environmental impact, Gates—an outspoken advocate for climate change solutions — has orchestrated a maritime masterpiece that defies convention. Breakthrough, formerly Project 821, marks a watershed moment in luxury seafaring as the world’s first fuel-cell-powered superyacht, masterfully merging opulence with environmental stewardship.
How Does Breakthrough Combine Green Tech with Raw Power?
This 390-foot masterpiece, crafted by the celebrated Dutch yacht powerhouse Feadship, is powered by green hydrogen stored in cryogenic tanks at an icy -253°C (-423.4°F). The yacht’s innovative propulsion system eliminates the harmful emissions typically associated with traditional diesel engines and is set to redefine standards in the sustainable luxury yachting segment.
This revolutionary vessel is the culmination of five years of meticulous construction. Together with its partners, Lloyd’s Register and Edmiston, Feadship ventured into uncharted waters, developing new protocols and safety regulations while scaling equipment to unprecedented specifications. The Herculean effort has resulted in a vessel that recently completed its trials off Amsterdam and is now ready for delivery.
For longer ocean voyages where hydrogen may be in short supply, the yacht deploys 3,200 kW ABB pod drives powered by MTU generators running on hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) — a second-generation biofuel that drastically cuts environmental impact. This hybrid system, perfected on Feadship’s Obsidian in 2023, comprises two 900kW and three 2,500kW MTU generators, guaranteeing flawless performance in all conditions.
What Makes Breakthrough the Future Of Luxury Superyachts?
Aside from its innovative propulsion system, Breakthrough boasts new levels in providing luxury amenities. Cruising effortlessly at 17 knots and with a phenomenal range of 6,500 nautical miles, this engineering marvel features five decks above the waterline and two below. Its stunning exterior design, brilliantly conceived by RWD, features five shell doors, 14 slide-out balconies, and seven expansive opening platforms.
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The space aboard this vessel exudes unparalleled opulence, accommodating up to 30 guests in 15 exquisitely designed rooms, including a luxurious owner’s suite for the ultimate experience. The crew quarters are designed with almost equal attention to detail and accommodate 44 staff members across multiple cabins, guaranteeing flawless service throughout every voyage.
Inside, Breakthrough features some of the amenities that any of the world’s great resorts would be proud to boast. Access throughout the vessel is easily obtained via a private owner’s walkway, and several offices with elegant fireplaces provide smart workspace. A private movie theatre, full-scale gym, and complete wellness area offer a variety of choices for entertainment. The 27-foot contraflow pool, several hot tubs, and steam room provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun.
The yacht’s interior design also features a stunning atrium with a spiral staircase connecting four townhouse-level living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the vast rooms with natural light, and Feadship’s patented waste heat recovery system maintains optimal comfort throughout the year. This innovative system efficiently heats the pools, Jacuzzis, steam room, and different living spaces; a smart AC system converts climate control in unoccupied areas on its own to maximize energy efficiency. The yacht even has its own hospital, catering to the well-being of guests during long voyages.
Why is Breakthrough up for sale?
Perhaps most tantalizingly, despite commissioning this truly unique vessel, Gates has opted not to take delivery. Instead, Breakthrough is currently listed for sale through Edmiston, the ultra-high-end yacht brokerage firm. This decision mirrors Gates’ long-standing philosophy of promoting technological advancement without necessarily maintaining possession—creating an unprecedented opportunity for another visionary billionaire to acquire this masterpiece of marine engineering.
In a world where luxury and environmental consciousness rarely intersect, Breakthrough is a beacon of what is possible when innovation meets ambition. This revolutionary vessel not only raises the bar for sustainable maritime technology but also challenges the superyacht industry to reimagine its approach to luxury seafaring. With the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht ready to make waves, it carries with it the promise of a more sustainable future for maritime luxury—a breakthrough indeed.
